Wis. farmers push for expanded broadband

Published On: Apr 04 2013 11:23:45 AM CDT

DOTYVILLE, Wis. (AP) -

A group representing Wisconsin farmers says its lobbying agenda this spring will include expanding broadband in rural areas and providing money for a program supporting farmers who use traditional grazing practices.

Wisconsin Farmers Union President Darin Von Ruden tells the Fond du Lac Reporter that his group also is concerned about Gov. Scott Walker's plan to get rid of limits on foreign land ownership. That item is included in Walker's budget proposal, which is being reviewed by the Legislature.

Von Ruden says that without caps foreign companies or governments could buy as much land as they want and that would likely drive up prices beyond what state residents could afford.

He says expanding broadband services is important too because many rural families still don't have Internet access.

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